User manual LEICA M7 - Product Brochure

Leica M System The fascination of the moment Rely on your own view of things. Nowadays, we take photographs all the time, everywhere and of everything. Photography seems to be child's play. But the essence of true photography has not really changed at all since the 35mm camera was invented: using light to capture an image of the world ­ a totally personal, individual look at life and time. In 1925, the family company Leitz presented the first successful 35mm camera to the world. Since then, the name Leica (Leitz Camera) has stood for uncompromising optical and mechanical quality and an exceptional photographic concept. Since 1954, the Leica M system has continued this tradition with its rangefinder cameras and lenses. It allows photographers to create their own images. The camera is intended to be a perfect tool for them to find and capture images, nothing more and nothing less. To some people, this might seem like an antiquated attitude. But anyone who consciously sees and photographs the world will appreciate the creative freedom that the Leica M allows them. In an age that is marked by a stunning flood of lessor quality images, it is a valuable experience to discover your own creative power as a Leica photographer. By concentrating on what is essential and ensuring intuitive operation, this is much easier than you might think. 3 14 17 21 25 28 32 36 37 39 40 The Leica M system LEICA MP Lise Sarfati uses a LEICA MP Jeff Mermelstein uses a LEICA M7 LEICA M7 Leica a la carte Accessories Technical data ­ LEICA MP Technical data ­ LEICA M7 Leica M Entry set Leica M lenses 2/3 The essential of what a good photographer needs. The Leica M system is a masterpiece of the art of reduction. Since the very first model, every development in the mechanical and optical systems has been consistently focused on concentrating on the truly crucial functions. This philosophy is what makes the Leica M the ideal tool for photographers who do not want their work to be governed by every conceivable automatic function and feature, but want to exercise their own creativity. Everything that has been developed and enhanced during the evolution of the Leica M system meets a photographer's genuine needs. At Leica, innovations are not an end in themselves ­ they are always the result of numerous questions, requests and meetings between photographers and Leica engineers. This principle of concentrating on what is essential has made the Leica M into a unique, modern cult object, which is still developing today. Timeless A Leica combines the legendary virtues of German engineering expertise with the results of consistent development that respects the creativity of the photographer. This enables us to create cameras and lenses that inspire you to take photographs ­ without making any concessions to current trends and fads. Conscious Leica cameras were the basis for the global success of 35 mm photography and documented the most significant events of the 20th Century. Geared towards the crucial photographic parameters, with a compact form and a clean and clear design, they give the photographer focused technology for focused pictures. 4/5 Feel the peace of the camera. How would you explain snow to a person who had never seen winter? He would not be able to really feel and understand it until actual snowflakes fell into his hand. Likewise, you cannot really appreciate how it feels to take photographs with a Leica until you pick one up and use it. The photographer can see the subject in the viewfinder, even during the exposure. And he can keep an eye on what is happening in the immediate vicinity outside of the viewfinder frame. A further advantage of the rangefinder is its reliable focusing, regardless of the photographer's vision. With no mirror to audibly flip up before exposure, the Leica M is extremely quiet and almost free of vibration. Everyone who uses a Leica for the first time is amazed by the gentle way it takes photographs. Pictures can easily be taken handheld at significantly slower shutter speeds than with other cameras. Reliability The Leica M rangefinder system is an optical masterpiece. Unlike reflex systems, focusing is independent of the focal length, making it many times more accurate for short focal lengths. Even in extremely poor lighting conditions, it can be focused quickly, precisely and totally accurately. In addition, the focusing point is easier to find and the viewfinder image always has the same brightness as the surroundings, because the light does not have to be diverted through the lens. Quiet The fine sound of the almost silent cloth focal plane shutter that the Leica emits when the shutter is released will not even be enough to disturb a pianist playing softly and will not betray the presence of a photographer witnessing events in sensitive situations. 6/7 The ideal companion: discreet, natural and engaging. Good portrait photographs are rare because, even in our visual age, photography makes many people self-conscious. The Leica M does not cover the photographer's face when taking the picture, allowing him to maintain eye contact with the subject of the portrait and making it easier to achieve a natural and relaxed result. The Leica M's discreet exterior is appreciated by professional photographers working in crisis-ridden regions, because they are hardly ever perceived as photojournalists. The intelligent design of the camera, the extremely short shutter release delay and the almost total lack of noise allow photographs to be taken at very close range, almost unnoticed, right at the heart of events. Compact With a width of just 138 mm, the Leica M has a distinctly unobtrusive appearance. On the move, it is quickly to hand and compact even with all its accessories. Even with additional lenses, it fits into almost any bag, making it a constant companion. Independence Choosing a Leica M instead of the convenience of an autofocus model, for example, is a deliberate decision to take your own route to the final picture. 8/9 Very few things last a lifetime. The Leica M often lasts longer. From the very beginning, the Leica concept has included supporting pioneering activities, like the circumnavigation of the globe by the Graf Zeppelin airship, bringing back unique images. The durability, reliability and robustness of the camera have always taken priority in the development of the Leica. The best materials coupled with reliable precision mechanics and painstaking production guarantee brilliant pictures, even on glaciers, on top of Kilimanjaro or in the Sahara. The Leica M has demonstrated its reliability in everyday use for decades. The incomparable quality of the Leica M is the result of science and experience, realized in our high-tech laboratory and manufacturing facilities. Down to the minutest detail, our cameras and lenses meet the highest demands of passionate photographers. Of course, this means that the Leica M comes at a price. But for everyone who uses it to look at life, it is worth so much more. Perfection Production of the Leica was based on the extreme precision that had been demanded at the Ernst Leitz optical works for scientific microscopes since 1849. The inventor of the Leica, Oskar Barnack, had the reputation in the factory of being able to perceive tolerances of 1/1000 mm. Even today, no lens or camera leaves the Leica factory without having first been subjected to rigorous testing at all the crucial stages of production. Enduring Products that can still be maintained after several decades are a genuine luxury these days. Every piece of Leica equipment comes with decades-long repair assurance. Leica's service department still maintains and repairs all M series cameras that have ever been produced. Their experience and expertise allow them to offer the customer excellent service. 10 / 11 A Leica M gets younger as the years go by. In the 1950s, the engineers from Leitz in Wetzlar proved their foresightedness by creating a new standard with the Leica M bayonet. Remaining faithful to this standard has guaranteed compatibility over the decades. At the same time, state of the art technology has been incorporated into the design. This is most noticeable on the new Leica M lenses that continue to set new performance standards with aspherical technology and, more recently, a floating element. The cameras themselves have also developed. For example, the brightness and reliability of the viewfinder have been enhanced with features to prevent flare. Improvements are constantly being made to design and production methods. Leica is always looking to the future without forgetting its unique history. Compatibility Since the launch of the standard bayonet for the Leica M3 in 1954, almost all Leica M lenses fit on the successive new generations of Leica M cameras. Expansion Anyone who starts using a Leica camera will constantly learn new things and will want to be able to do even more. New highspeed lenses and practical accessories are continually expanding the creative freedom available to Leica photographers. 12 / 13 The world's best lenses are designed simply ­ with a lot of thought and craftsmanship. It was the lenses that established the legend of the Leica brand. Their unsurpassed performance is all down to one basic principle: the Leica engineers always put a great deal of work and ingenuity into finding a clear, straightforward solution. This often involves just a few lens elements, placing as few obstructions as possible in the way of the light. This natural design, made with high quality types of glass and perfectly manufactured, is the basis for images of unmistakeable character. As well as outstanding sharpness, contrast and resolution, these images always feature incredible structure, richness and natural expression. There is also the pleasure of a Leica lens' zero lens flare and silky smooth focusing. To assure this quality, each lens is individually manufactured by the experienced hands of our master craftsmen in optics and precision mechanics. In contrast to industrial mass production, every single Leica lens meets the highest quality standards, which the photographer can always rely on. Natural Achieving vital and true to life pictures of people ­ that was the idea for which Osckar Barnack developed his Leica 35 mm camera back in 1914. Since then, photographers such as Gisèle Freund, Henri Cartier-Bresson, Robert Capa and Sebastiao Salgado have used their Leicas to capture impressive images of our age for posterity. High contrast The optical superiority of Leica lenses is demonstrated by their ability to capture magic moments sharply and at high contrast without additional lighting (available light), even at twilight or indoors. LEICA MP ­ The Tool Maximum reduction Known as the MP, this Leica rangefinder is one of our photojournalistic' cameras, specially tailored to the requirements of professional photographers. Reduced to what is absolute necessary, it is intuitively operated and leaves all decisions and settings up to the photographer. It is the mechanical alternative to the LEICA M7, which provides increased convenience and more functions with its electronically controlled shutter and automatic exposure mode. 14 / 15 Classic mechanics The LEICA MP is the essence of precision mechanics and its development and production are the result of more than 50 years of experience. The MP is the epitome of a mechanical rangefinder camera. This masterpiece provides a memorable photographic experience from the moment you pick it up. Always ready to use The LEICA MP has such an uncompromising design that you can always depend on it. It relies on the photographer's ability, not on batteries. They are only needed for exposure metering. Anyone who wants to estimate the shutter speed and aperture themselves can do without electronic features altogether. The sturdy body stands up to any kind of use. All the controls are completely metal. The extending rewind knob is extremely handy and impact resistant. Lise Sarfati Lise Sarfati, born in 1958, lives in Paris. She graduated from the Sorbonne in Slavonic Studies, specialising in Russia. The subject of her thesis was "Photography of the 1920s". In 1986, she was appointed in-house photographer at the Academy of Fine Arts in Paris. In 1989, she travelled to Russia on a scholarship from the Paris Ministry of Culture and the Villa Medicis Hors Les Murs. Until 1998, she worked almost exclusively in Russia. Her work from that period appeared in her first monograph, entitled "Acta Est", based on the Latin phrase "Acta Est Fabula" (The game is up). In her pictures, Sarfarti brought to life the modern era in Russia ­ with her familiar, almost intimate look at society and individual people. Since 2003, she has been taking portraits of young Americans who have chosen to live in isolation. This project has taken her to Louisiana, Georgia, Texas, California and Oregon. The work was published in a new book in 2005. "The Leica MP is compact and totally mechanical. It allows me to work with minimal light and without irritating my subjects. They can almost forget me and focus entirely on themselves. The camera's discretion also allows me to express my own personality. This reflects my style of photography. The subject is influenced by me and in turn, I respond to the subject." Lise Sarfati Jeff Mermelstein Jeff Mermelstein, born in 1957, lives in New York. After training at the International Center for Photography in New York, Jeff Mermelstein started work as a freelance photographer. Before long, he had commissions from famous magazines such as LIFE, The New Yorker and the New York Times Magazine. Portfolios of his work also appeared in the magazines Aperture, Double Take and Artforum. In 1991, Mermelstein was awarded the Aaron Siskind scholarship for photographers. In 1999, he won the "European Publishers' Award", part of the Leica Camera Group's cultural program, which enabled him to publish his first book, "Sidewalk". His second book "no title here" was published in 2003. Jeff Mermelstein has been a faculty member at the International Center of Photography in New York since 1988. "I take my best pictures when I don't stop to think. For me, the LEICA M7 is a camera with autopilot ­ it supports and simplifies the spontaneous, almost unconscious, style of photography I like to use. I don't have to waste any thought on the exposure, I don't worry about it and this gives me a better chance of taking a successful, unforgettable picture. The camera helps me to be right in the moment." Jeff Mermelstein 24 / 25 Leica M7 ­ The Fastest Leica M Camera Intuitive photography As an alternative to the familiar manual exposure adjustment ­ which is still available on the camera ­ the LEICA M7 offers a convenient, continuously variable automatic function with exposure value storage for the shutter release. This allows you to focus easily, compose quickly and concentrate completely on taking the photograph. Versatile exposures The M7's many useful features open up a host of compositional options. TTL flash exposure metering makes flash photography more reliable. The synchronisation speed of up to 1/1000s and flash with the second shutter curtain provide a wealth of creative scope. The viewfinder displays make it easier to take pictures with slower shutter speeds. 26 / 27 Convenient work Ergonomically positioned right next to the shutter release button, the ON/OFF switch turns on the LEICA M7's electronic features and locks the shutter release when the camera is off. The film speed can be set either manually or automatically (DX coding). This rules out annoying bad exposures due to incorrect ISO settings. The continuously variable automatic function provides a reliable and precise exposure. And a unique system in rangefinder cameras, it displays all information clearly in the LEICA M7's viewfinder ­ even with critical side lighting. Leica a la carte ­ Unique, handcrafted models A Leica M is always a Leica M when it comes to performance, precision and reliability. However, its appearance can be uniquely changed and the photographic functions can be adapted to the individual profile of any photographer. Every customer can now have their own personal Leica M camera produced. Fine materials, forms and colors allied to a variety of variable components and functional details open up almost unlimited scope for individual design. The result is unmistakeable unique cameras, created to your own tastes and for a specific purpose. Adjusting the rangefinder Cutting the leather Fitting the top plate 28 / 29 This exclusive range involves a personal relationship between the photographer and Leica. And the masterful individual handcrafting that only Leica's traditional manufacturing can provide. For example, each type of leather with a different structure and density is optimally adapted to the camera, split to a thickness of 0.8 mm and fitted by hand. From the assembly of the individual components through to the final quality inspection, every detail of the 1,300 parts that make up every Leica M is lovingly created exactly as the customer desires ­ a la carte. By people who love the Leica M as much as you do. Fitting the add-on parts Final inspection of shutter speeds Finishing the engraving with color Your Leica ­ purely individual You can now choose a LEICA MP or M7 that differs from the standard appearance by selecting from our modular system the features that match your functional, aesthetic and practical preferences. This starts with the color of the top plate and the choice of covering from a range of naturally tanned leather types. Camera cases and carrying straps are available in the matching leather. You can choose the viewfinder frames to match your preferred lenses and when it comes to the controls you can opt for more robust or faster models in line with your individual needs. Personal engravings such as signatures, drawings or family coats of arms make your Leica thoroughly distinctive. M7, silver chrome finish, folding advance lever MP, silver chrome finish, traditional controls MP with angled rewind button, nappa racing green M7 in smooth red calf leather with logo MP with straight rewind button, black chrome finish, MP leather M7, vulcanite, no logo 30 / 31 With more than 4,000 possible combinations, even very unusual requests can be met. Realize your dreams. An unusual look or a discreet appearance? What fits best for you? Whether you are a professional photographer or a collector ­ you will find your ideal camera here. Examine, feel and choose the individual components at your Leica a la carte dealer. Or play around with the different combinations in advance with our Internet configurator: www.leica-a-la-carte.com. Individual viewfinder frame M7, engraved like M3, black lacquer MP with individual engraving, silver chrome finish Accessories Accessories perfectly coordinated with the Leica M cameras make photography even more enjoyable. Ever ready case M a la carte in the leather types from the Leica a la carte range, matching any individually produced M a la carte camera. Secure protection for an MP or M7 with one of the following lenses: 21 mm f/2.8 without lens hood, 24 mm f/2 with or without lens hood. 35 mm f/1.4 without lens hood, 35 mm f/2 with or without lens hood, 50 mm f/2.8 extended, 50mm f/1.4, 50 mm f/2, 90 mm f/4 retracted. Naturally tanned leather, cognac Order no. 14857. Nappa racing green, Order no. 14858. Box calf red leather, Order no. 14859. Box calf dark brown leather, Order no. 14860. Lizard look black, Order no. 14861. Ostrich look black, Order no. 14862. Ostrich look chestnut, Order no. 14863. Nappa bordeaux, Order no. 14864. Box calf leather blue, Order no. 14865 Camera carrying strap a la carte in traditional narrow design in the Leica a la carte leather types, matching individually produced M a la carte cameras. Saddle leather black, Order no. 14453. Naturally tanned leather, cognac, Order no. 14454. Nappa racing green, Order no. 14456. Box calf red leather, Order no. 14457. Box calf dark brown leather, Order no. 14458. Lizard look black, Order no. 14465. Ostrich look black, Order no. 14466. Ostrich look chestnut, Order no. 14467. Nappa bordeaux, Order no. 14468. Box calf leather blue, Order no. 14469 Wide camera carrying strap in black saddle leather, with optimum carrying comfort due to wide neck section, non-slip due to micro-velvet on the inside. Order no. 14455 "Billingham" combination case The most flexible case for your Leica M equipment holds either two M cameras with two lenses or one camera and three lenses. It provides easy and compact transportation even for large lenses or with a LEICAVIT-M or LEICA MOTOR-M fitted. A zipped compartment also provides space for a LEICA SF 24D flash and for films and other accessories. Waterproof canvas. black Order no. 14854, khaki Order no. 14855 Ever ready case for M with LEICAVIT-M holds a LEICA MP with rewind crank and all other M cameras with a LEICAVIT-M fitted. Durable saddle leather. Order no. 14856 32 / 33 Ever ready case M with standard front without LEICAMETER, Motor M or Winder M. Holds a Leica M camera with one of the following lenses: 21 mm f/2.8 without lens hood, 28 mm f/2 without lens hood, 35 mm f/1.4 without lens hood, 35 mm f/2 with or without lens hood, 50 mm f/2.8 extended, 50 mm f/1.4, 50 mm f/2, 90 mm f/4 retracted. Black nappa calf leather. Order no. 14870. M ever ready case with large front Also holds a Leica M camera without LEICAMETER, Motor M or Winder M, with one of the following lenses 21 mm f/2.8 with or without lens hood, 24 mm f/2.8 with or without lens hood, 28 mm f/2 with or without lens hood, 35 mm f/1.4 with or without lens hood, 35 mm f/2 with or without lens hood, 50 mm f/2.8 extended, 50 mm f/1.4, 50 mm f/2, 75 mm f/1.4, 75 mm f/2, 28-35-50 mm f/4, 90 mm f/2, 90 mm f/4 extended. Black nappa calf leather. Order no. 14871 LEICAVIT-M Compact, mechanical manual quick wind that is attached in place of the camera base plate and provides a handy extension to the LEICA M camera. The LEICAVIT-M is available in black lacquer or black / silver chrome finish and can be used with all models of the LEICA MP, M7, M6TTL, M6, M4-P and M4-2. Black lacquer Order no. 14009, black chrome finish Order no. 14450, silver chrome finish Order no. 14008 LEICA MOTOR M. Extremely compact and handy battery-powered motor drive. Attach to camera In place of the base plate with mechanical coupling to camera. Exposure frequency Choice of 1.5 or 3 frames per second. Shutter release Using camera shutter release. Motor and gear train Specially designed direct current motor with extremely low noise friction drive, with a further reduction in sound at an exposure frequency of 1.5 fps. Power supply Two 3 V lithium batteries Type 123 A, housed in the ergonomically designed grip. Capacity (based on Leica testing conditions) Minimum 100 36-exposure films at 20 °C (68 °F). Housing High-grade fibreglass-reinforced moulded material, brass (next to camera), aluminium (battery housing), steel (chassis). Tripod thread A 1/4, central under lens axis. Dimensions (W x H x D) 138 x 78 mm (with handgrip) / 18.5 mm (to bottom edge of camera) x 56 mm. Weight Approx. 225 g (without batteries). Order No. 14 408 (not suitable for use with lenses with viewfinder attachment) Rewind crank. The rewind crank is an accessory that allows fast and convenient rewinding with a straight rewind button. It is available in black and silver and can be attached to the rewind button with a small screw. A small screwdriver is included. Silver Order no. 14437, black Order no. 14438 Flash LEICA SF 24D with 2 diffuser screens (wide angle and telephoto diffuser screens), velvet pouch. Connection TTL flash exposure metering with LEICA M7 and M6 TTL, automatic mode with all Leica R and M models with center contact, can be used on cameras without center contact using a standard flash adapter cable / center contact, GNC (Guide Number Control) for cameras with GNC function (CM, CM Zoom, Digilux 2). Guide number 24 (with telephoto screen for 85 mm). Functions Exposure can be varied by ±3 f-stops. Illumination angle from 35 mm, with wide angle diffuser screen from 24 mm or with telephoto screen from 85 mm, 6 automatic apertures in A mode: f/2.0, f/2.8, f/4.0, f/5.6, f/8 and f/11 Displays All settings and corrections are shown in illuminated LCD display. Flash confirmation in viewfinder on LEICA R8 / R9, LEICA M7 and LEICA M6 TTL and on flash unit. Film speed in M/TTL/GNC mode from ISO 12/12° to ISO 3200/36°, in `A' mode from ISO 25/15° to ISO 800/30°. Power supply Two 3 V lithium batteries Type 123 A, allow rapid exposure sequences. Dimensions (W x H x D) 66 x 109 x 40 mm. Weight Approx.180 g (without batteries). Order no. 14 444 Tabletop tripod with three folding legs, A 1/4 DIN 4503 (1/4") tripod thread. Order no. 14100 Large ball-and-socket head with A 1/4 DIN 4503 (1/4") tripod thread. Order no. 14110 Handgrip M for secure and comfortable holding of any Leica M camera (except LEICA M5); with central tripod thread. Order no. 14 405 Cable release, 25 cm (10") long, with set screw. Order no. 14 067 Cable release, 50 cm (20") long, with set screw. Order no. 14 076 Lens holder M To be fitted onto the camera base plate; creates a compact set of photographic equipment with two lenses. Order no. 14404 Angle finder M with leather pouch. The angle finder for all LEICA M cameras (except the first M3 series made in 1954) extends the range of uses of the LEICA M system. It shows a true sided upright circular section from the center of the viewfinder image, approx. 8.7 mm in size, and with its 45° angled and freely rotating sight makes it easier to assess the subject in all situations where the photographer does not want to hold the camera in front of his eyes, e.g. reproductions. When used for close-ups of subjects close to the ground using the LEICA MACRO-ELMAR-M 90 mm f/1.4, it allows a much more comfortable body position. Order no. 12531 34 / 35 VIEWFINDER MAGNIFIER M 1.25x with leather pouch and securing chain. Makes picture composition considerably easier when using focal lengths above 50 mm. Particularly with the Leica M system's 75 to 135 mm telephoto lenses, the significantly larger visible viewfinder image provides better identification of subject details within the relevant image field frame. Order no. 12 004 VIEWFINDER for 21/24/28 mm lenses with leather pouch. This viewfinder can be used to show the framing on the 21 mm, 24 mm and 28 mm wide-angle lenses. For viewing without glasses, the LEICA M correction lenses can be screwed into the viewfinder eyepiece. Black chrome finish Order no. 12 013 Silver chrome finish Order no. 12 014 Correction lenses M For viewing without glasses, the LEICA M correction lenses can be screwed into the viewfinder eyepiece. +0.5 Order no. 14 350, +1.0 Order no. 14 351, +1.5 Order no. 14 352, +2.0 Order no. 14 353, +3.0 Order no. 14 354 ­0.5 Order no. 14 355, ­1.0 Order no. 14 356, ­1.5 Order no. 14 357, ­2.0 Order no. 14 358, ­3.0 Order no. 14 359 LEICA MACRO-ADAPTER-M An accessory for the LEICA MACRO-ELMAR-M 90 mm f/1.4 that expands the focusing range from 0.77 m (scale 1:6.7) up to the close-up distance of 0.5 m (scale 1:3), minimum object field 72 x 108 mm. It transfers the position of the rangefinder on the lens to the camera, while a viewfinder attachment corrects the parallax error between the viewfinder and the lens. The adapter is attached to the camera and the lens with the underside facing upwards. A second distance and depth of field scale applicable for the close-up range is engraved on the lens. Black anodized finish. Order no. 14409 Technical Data ­ LEICA MP / LEICA M7 Camera Camera order no. Camera type LEICA MP Silver Black LEICA M7 Silver Black Lenses Viewfinder Exposure metering Exposure control Film speed range 10 503 10 504 Compact 35mm rangefinder system camera with electronically controlled shutter and two mechanically controlled shutter speeds. Leica M bayonet mount. Lens system Leica M lenses from 21-135 mm. Viewfinder principle Large, bright line frame viewfinder with automatic parallax compensation. Viewfinder optical system with reduced stray light sensitivity and optimum visibility of all bright line frames. Eyepiece Calibrated to ­0.5 dpt. Correction lenses from ­3 to +3 diopter available. Bright line frames activated in pairs: for 28 and 90 mm, 35 and 135 mm or 50 and 75 mm. Automatically displayed when the lens is mounted. The preview selector can be used to display each of the pairs of frames. Alternative bright line frame configurations are available as part of the Leica a la carte range.* Parallax compensation The horizontal and vertical difference between the viewfinder and the lens is automatically compensated in line with the current distance setting, i.e. the bright line frame in the viewfinder automatically covers the section of the subject that will be captured by the lens. Correlation between viewfinder and film images At the shortest possible distance setting for each focal length, the bright line frame size corresponds to an image size of approx. 23 x 35 mm. When set to infinity, depending on the focal length between 9% (28mm) and 23% (135mm) more is captured by the film than is shown in the corresponding bright line frame. Magnification 0.72x (for all lenses). Alternative viewfinder magnifications of 0.85x and 0.58x are available as part of the Leica a la carte range.* Wide-base rangefinder Split and superposed-image ranger finder displayed as a bright field in the centre of the viewfinder image. Effective measuring basis 49.9 mm (mechanical measuring basis 69.25 mm x viewfinder magnification 0.72x). For the alternative viewfinder magnifications of 0.85x and 0.58x available as part of the Leica a la carte range, it is 58.9mm (mechanical measuring basis 69.25mm x viewfinder magnification 0.85x) and 40.2 mm (mechanical measuring basis 69.25 mm x viewfinder magnification 0.58x) respectively. Exposure metering through the lens (TTL), selectively with working aperture. Metering principle The light reflected by a metering spot in the center of the first shutter curtain. The metering spot has a diameter of 12 mm and thus corresponds to approx. 13% of the full film format or approx. 2/3 of the short side of the applicable bright line frame in the viewfinder. Metering range (for ISO 100/21°) From 0.03 to 125000 cd/m2 at room temperature, normal humidity and f/1.0. For ISO 100/21° this corresponds to EV-2 to 20 or f/1 and 4s (B setting on LEICA MP) to f/32 and 1/1000s. Flashing of the left-hand triangular LED in the viewfinder indicates that the brightness reflected is below the metering range. Metering cell Silicon photodiode with focusing lens to the top left behind the bayonet. Manual shutter speed and aperture setting and adjustment Choice of automatic control of shutter speed ­ with using LED light balance. corresponding digital display ­ with manual aperture selection (automatic mode) or manual shutter speed and aperture setting with adjustment using LED light balance. Manual setting from ISO 6/9 to ISO 6400/39°. Choice of automatic setting from ISO 25/15° to ISO 5000/38° for DX coded films or manual setting from ISO 6/9° to ISO 6400/39°. Setting an additional exposure compensation (±/ 2EV) allows speeds of ISO 1.5/3° to ISO 25000/45° to be used. LED symbol for battery status. LED symbol for flash status, four-digit, seven segment LED digital display with points above and below (display brightness adapted to outside brightness) for: Film speed information, exposure correction warnings, automatically set shutter speed in automatic mode, indication of use of stored exposure setting, indication of brightness readings above or below the metering range in automatic mode and progress of shutter speeds slower than 2s. 10 301 10 302 Compact 35 mm rangefinder system camera with mechanically controlled shutter. Viewfinder displays (at lower edge) LED light balance with two triangular LEDs and a central circular LED to adjust the exposure (on LEICA M7 for manual setting only). Underexposure of at least one stop Underexposure of 1 / 2 stop Correct exposure Overexposure of1 / 2 stop Overexposure of at least one stop Triangular LEDs give the required direction to rotate the aperture dial and (on LEICA M7 only) the shutter speed dial to adjust the exposure. The LEDs flash to warn that the brightness reading is above or below the metering range. 36 / 37 Camera Camera order no. Flash exposure metering and control Flash unit connektion Flash synchronisation speed LEICA MP Silver 10 301 Black 10 302 LEICA M7 Silver 10 503 Black 10 504 Using accessory hotshoe with center contact and / or standard flash connector socket. Using accessory hotshoe with center contacts or standard flash connector socket. Synchronisation time Exposure metering / metering characteristics Metering cell Film speed range for TTL flash exposure metering Flash exposure compensation q = 1/50s; slower shutter speeds can be used (with manual setting only on LEICA M7) Automatic setting in AUTO mode; faster shutter speeds (1/250s, 1/500s, 1/1000s) available with manual setting if the connected flash unit has the "High Speed Synchronisation" function and an SCA-3502 adapter is used. Optionally with 1st or 2nd shutter curtain With 1st shutter curtain. (with appropriate flash unit and SCA-3502 adapter) Separate computer control of flash unit or guide number (With SCA-3501/3502 adapter or SCA-3000 standard flash calculation and manual setting of required aperture. unit, e.g. LEICA SF 20 / SF 24D) TTL control with center-weighted integral metering. ­ Silicon photodiode with focusing lens at lower right behind bayonet. ­ ISO 12/12° to 3200/36° ± 3 1 / 3 EV in 1 / 3 EV increments on SCA-3501/3502 adapter. On LEICA SF 20 / SF 24D, +/- 3EV in 1/3 EV increments or from 0 to ­3 EV in 1EV increments with computer control. ­ Ready: Constant illumination of flash symbol LED in viewfinder. Confirmation: Continued illumination or brief rapid flashing of LED after exposure. Underexposure indicated by LED temporarily going out. ­ Displays in flash mode Shutter and shutter release Shutter Rubberized cloth focal plane shutter with horizontal movement; extremely quiet Electronically controlled with two mechanically controlled Mechanically controlled shutter speeds, 1/60 s and 1/125 s. From 1s to 1/1000s in whole increments. In automatic mode (AUTO) continuous from 32s to 1/1000s. With manual setting 4s to 1/1000s in whole increments. Shutter speeds Shutter release B for very long exposures of any duration, q (1/50s) for flash synchronisation. Two stage: Power up (activate exposure meter) ­ Release Three stage: Power up ­ Exposure value storage (in automatic mode) ­ Release Standard thread for cable release integrated. Loading Manual film loading after opening base plate and rear panel. Advance Manually with quick wind lever or LEICAVIT M or motorized using LEICA MOTOR M, LEICA WINDER-M, LEICA WINDER M4-P or LEICA WINDER M4-2 (from serial no. 10350). Rewind Manually with extending rewind button (on LEICA MP, rewind crank available as part of Leica a la carte range and attachable rewind crank available as an accessory) or rewind crank (LEICA M7) after turning R lever on front of camera. Frame counter On top of camera. Automatic reset after removing base plate. Film transport Camera body Material Enclosed all metal body with hinged rear panel. Brass top and base plate. MP: Silver chrome finish or black lacquered. M7: Silver or black chrome finish. All variations are available for both cameras as part of the Leica a la carte range. Tripod thread A 1/4 (1/4") DIN in base plate. Technical Data ­ LEICA MP / LEICA M7 Camera Camera order no. Power supply LEICA MP Silver 10 301 Black 10 302 LEICA M7 Silver 10 503 Black 10 504 (Only necessary for exposure metering and display) 3V from 2 silver oxide button cells, type PX 76 / SR 44 or from 1 lithium cell, type DL 1/3 N. Battery monitoring by illumination of battery warning display with light balance LEDs (1st level), light balance LEDs going out (2nd level) or all LEDs going out. Approx. 138 mm x 77 mm x 38 mm Approx. 585 g 6V from 2 lithium cells, type DL 1/3 N. Battery monitoring by flashing of LEDs in digital display or light balance or by illumination of bc display or all LEDs going out. Dimensions (W x H x D) Weight (without batteries) Items supplied Approx. 138 mm x 79,5 mm x 38 mm Approx. 610 g Carrying strap with non-slip pad (14312), camera cover with M bayonet (14195), flash contact shoe connector (14348) and batteries. *For the possible combinations, the bright line frames (pairs) displayed in each case and further details of the equipment options in the Leica a la carte range, please refer to our homepage: www.leica-a-la-carte.com 38 / 39 One more reason not to wait: The LEICA M7 Entry set. An attractive set that makes your choice easier and provides you with an introduction to the professional world of Leica. It includes a black LEICA M7 and the LEICA SUMMICRON-M 50 mm f/2 lens and allows you to take your first easy steps into the M system. Your first camera is made just for you and has all the benefits of an initial purchase. The Leica M7 and the fast standard focal length of the LEICA SUMMICRON-M 50mm f/2 are a combination that can be used almost anywhere. The lens features outstanding image quality even at the very fastest settings. This compact and handy set is a reliable companion for any situation. The LEICA M7 Entry set is available at an attractive price from your Leica dealer. Optical performance Each individual lens from Leica is a masterpiece. Every lens element is ground, polished, exactly centered and precisely mounted with precision workmanship. The result is a precision optical system that is handy, compact and always focused on practical photography. You can also expect a very long service life ­ all current Leica M lenses are compatible with all M cameras of the past. The consistently applied principle of system compatibility also allows historic lenses to be used on modern Leicas. Thanks to their incredible performance, the M lenses will also be suitable for digital photography with the digital M camera of the future. Every lens has an exactly adapted lens hood and is supplied in a soft nappa leather pouch. Wide-angle lenses LEICA ELMARIT-M 21 mm f/2.8 ASPH LEICA ELMARIT-M 24 mm f/2.8 ASPH LEICA SUMMICRON-M 28 mm f/2 Uniform sharpness and low distortion across the entire image field at full aperture. Perfect for dramatic effects with a monumental foreground, strongly receding background and a distant horizon. Ideal for dynamic shots showing the subject in its surroundings. Extremely high contrast even at full aperture. Excellent brightness and plasticity even for close-ups. Ultra-fast wide-angle lens. Highly recommended for available light photography and reportage work. Uncompromising image quality and high contrast even at full aperture. 40 / 41 Leica uses aspherical lenses (ASPH) to increase image quality. They have a surface that deviates from the normal spherical shape and are extremely expensive to manufacture. However, they provide the very best results with a compact design. Leica utilizes apochromatic correction (APO) for telephoto lenses to ensure that the color spectrum from a point on the subject is brought to an exact point on the image. This ensures optimum sharpness across the entire image field, even at full aperture. LEICA SUMMILUX-M 35 mm f/1.4 ASPH LEICA SUMMICRON-M 35 mm f/2 ASPH An extremely compact, fast and high contrast wide-angle lens with an image quality at full aperture that is unique among compact 35 mm lenses. With superb sharpness, excellent contrast and outstanding resolution across the entire focusing range, this versatile all-round lens is one of the world's leading highspeed wide-angle lenses. Also available in silver chrome finish. Standard lenses LEICA NOCTILUX-M 50 mm f/1 LEICA SUMMILUX-M New 50 mm f/1.4 ASPH LEICA SUMMICRON-M 50 mm f/2 This ultra-fast lens produces excellent shots even in conditions of sparse light. The extremely shallow depth of field at f/1 allows the foreground details to be clearly distinguished from the background as in portraits. The Noctilux is almost free of flare, even at full aperture, and clearly captures very fine structures. Even at full aperture and at the limit of the close-up range, this new lens delivers high-contrast shots with crisply defined fine structures. This is made possible by the first ever use of a floating element in the Leica M system. Its properties make this lens particularly well qualified for expressive available light shots. There is no doubt that this handy, universal lens is one of the very best high-speed standard focal length lenses available. Its image quality is outstanding, even at full aperture. Also available in silver chrome finish. Telephoto lenses LEICA SUMMILUX-M 75 mm f/1.4 LEICA APO-SUMMICRON-M New 75 mm f/2 ASPH LEICA APO-SUMMICRON-M 90 mm f/2 ASPH Extremely fast for its focal length, this lens is perfect for available light photography, whether it be portraits, reportage or the enormous differences in brightness at concerts or the theatre. For universal use, this compact lens has excellent image quality with a natural perspective and realistic reproduction of every detail, for close-ups or long-range shots, at full aperture or stopped down. Ideal for lifelike available light portraits and accentuated details in reportage. A lens that is practically unrivalled in its class. Its high speed allows relatively fast shutter speeds which, among other things, helps to prevent blurring in snapshots taken from a distance. 42 / 43 Universal lens LEICA ELMAR-M 50 mm f/2.8 LLEICA TRI-ELMAR-M 28-35-50 mm f/4 ASPH This is the universal lens of choice when compact size and low weight are more important than the highest speed. It is slim, handy and has an outstanding optical system. Also available in silver chrome finish. The Tri-Elmar has two aspherical lenses and combines optimum optical performance with the option of switching between three typical M system focal lengths in an instant. The precise mechanism ensures that the focus remains constant. Light and compact, the Tri-Elmar is an ideal travelling companion. Macro lens LEICA ELMARIT-M 90 mm f/2.8 LEICA APO-TELYT-M 135 mm f/3.4 LEICA MACRO ELMAR-M 90 mm f/4 Excellent contrast and sharpness even at full aperture make this compact universal lens weighing just 400 g (14 oz) the ideal companion when travelling. Also available in silver chrome finish. A completely convincing telephoto lens with outstanding Leica APO quality. Resolution, contrast and sharpness are perfect at any aperture setting. Its handy design, low weight and ease of use are further points in its favor. With the LEICA MACRO ADAPTER-M, this lens allows you to take macro shots up to a scale of 1:3. Without the adapter, it can be used as a compact 90mm telephoto lens. When retracted, it is no larger than a 50 mm lens. Its versatility makes it particularly suitable for travel photography. The other Leica product ranges are also based around people and their perceptions. The high-quality Leica cameras and projectors provide an exceptional visual experience. Numerous cultural activities, photographic competitions, trips and seminars and our technical services round off what we offer our customers. Further details are available on the Internet or from your dealer. Leica R system Leica M system Leica digital cameras Leica projectors Leica sports optics Trademark of the Leica Camera Group »Leica« and all product names are ®Registered trademarks © 2005 Leica Camera AG Construction, design and range subject to change Concept and design: Heine/Lenz/Zizka, Frankfurt am Main Photographic credits: Product photography: Tom Vack Product photography, Leica a la carte: Alexander Göhr Production photography, Leica a la carte: Michael Agel Contributor photography: Lise Sarfati, Jeff Mermelstein Brochure order number: German 91075, English 91076, French 91077, Italian 91078, Spanish 91079, Japanese 91080, Dutch 91081 Leica Camera AG / Oskar-Barnack-Straße 11 / D-35606 Solms www.leica-camera.com / info@leica-camera.com Telefon + 49 (0) 6442-208-0 / Telefax + 49 (0) 6442-208-333 Heine/Lenz/Zizka 09/05/GY/B